-
Agenda item
Programme progress update
11:20
· Town Deal Programme update
· Communications update
· Programme finance update
· Homes England update
Minutes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
4.1. Town Deal Programme Update
Confirmation of the increased budget to the Public Realm and Green Connections project was received from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) at the end of May and work is continuing completing the Grant Funding Agreement.
Pranesh highlighted five projects that have completed their capital build, confirming that monitoring continues for the project outputs and impact.
It was brought to the attention of the Board that the ground floor offices provided by the Town Centre Core Project 1a, Priory Meadow (Fast Track) have been vacated by Jobcentre Plus (JCP). The Gym Group continues to occupy the upper floor.
Andrew Harvey from NewRiver REIT provided an update. The offices were and continue to be let to a third party, The Instant Group, who facilitated the occupation of the JCP. They will be seeking new tenants.
Pranesh also reminded the board of the four accelerator projects, also completed. These consisted of the White Rock Courtyard Project, Improvements to the Alley Way behind the Observer Building, a Conference venue at the College and several EV charging points. These were enabled by the first £1m accelerated fund provided under the Towns Fund.
Pranesh advised that the business case phase of the programme is now complete and that the programme is now fully in implementation and delivery phase.
Regarding the programme team, Pranesh advised that the Investment Manager role had now been filled by Joseph Brown. He has a background as an architect, in surveying, cost consultancy and project management. He will start in September and will be engaging with the Public Realm project and other projects that HBC is heavily involved in.
Following the departure of the communications officer in January, the team has been trying to recruit a replacement. The delay has resulted in the blogs and website being slightly out of date. Pranesh indicated that this role would be filled shortly following the final interviews and an offer being made to one of the candidates.
Pranesh also announced the team had lost Ian Sycamore with his move to a different department. Carole Dixon, Co-Chair echoed the thanks offered by Pranesh and re-iterated how Ian’s support and input had been fundamental to the success of the programme and wished to formally record the thanks of the board. Graham Peters, Co-Chair, re-iterated the board’s thanks for all he had done, and in particular, the calm and measured manner in which this was approached. Both wished him good luck and many thanks.
4.2. Communications Update
The update was brief with a request to project leads to update the team with items to be shared. Hannah Collins also highlighted that the communications officer role had been offered and would, hopefully be recruited soon. She re-iterated that it was known the website and blog were slightly out of date and asked to be advised of any updates by the project leads, pending the start of the new communications officer.
4.3. Programme Finance Update
The latest funding position was shared via the agenda pack. There were no queries.
4.4. Homes England Update
Pranesh advised that there had been an update meeting with senior officers from HBC and Homes England on 12th June 2023. The next steps are under discussion, but no clear timeline or approach agreed.
Homes England has published its new strategy – link provided in the update report. The key point being adopting the whole ‘regeneration’ and place making agenda. They have recognised the need for a broader regeneration ambition so that housing developments supports sustainable communities.
Pranesh indicated that the strategy fits well with Hastings and further meetings are planned to discuss how Homes England might engage with HBC, although nothing has been formally agreed.
Supporting documents:
-
My council
Contact
Contact us if you have a question about democratic services.
Content
The content on this page is the responsibility of our Democratic Services team.